Former councilor Massimo Adriatici has been sentenced to 12 years for the voluntary homicide of Younes El Boussettaoui, a homeless man, contrary to the defense's claim of self-defense.
Massimo Adriatici, a 51-year-old former councilor from Voghera, Italy, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the voluntary homicide of Younes El Boussettaoui, a 39-year-old Moroccan homeless man, marking a significant conclusion to a first-degree trial. The incident occurred on July 20, 2021, in Piazza Meardi, where Adriatici shot El Boussettaoui, which his defense argued was an act of self-defense. However, Judge Luigi Riganti dismissed this claim, seeing the act as a deliberate homicide rather than an act of excessive self-defense.
The case took a critical turn when the initial charge of excessive self-defense was elevated to voluntary homicide in November 2024, prompting a new trial with updated evidence and testimonies. This change indicated a significant escalation in the severity of the legal proceedings against Adriatici, reflecting growing concerns regarding issues of violence against marginalized individuals such as the homeless.
The emotional reaction of Adriatici upon hearing the verdict, which included initially appearing impassive before breaking down, highlights the personal and social implications of the case. The trial has stirred debate within the community about accountability, the treatment of vulnerable populations, and the legal system's approach to violence in situations involving homeless individuals. This case could set important precedents regarding legal definitions and protections available to those in precarious circumstances in Italy.
